Welcome back to the Hangin’ with the AD Podcast

This is a special episode for us, because we’re joined once again by a familiar voice and a great friend of the show—Steve “Throney” Throne.

Each year, we’re fortunate to sit down with the current President of the NIAAA, and this annual conversation has become one of our favorite traditions. In 2025, that role belongs to Steve Throne, and today we’re excited to reflect on his year of service, leadership, and vision for athletic administrators across the country.

For those who may be new to the podcast, Steve serves as the activities director and an assistant principal at Millard South High School in Omaha, Nebraska. He first joined us back on Episode 87 in 2023. Later that year, the NIAAA Board of Directors selected him as President-Elect, and throughout 2025 he has served as President of the NIAAA.

In this episode, we’ll catch up with “Throney,” as he’s known nationwide, to talk about his presidential theme, Link It Up, the relationships that define our profession, innovative programs happening at Millard South, and what athletic administrators can take away from this year’s National Athletic Directors Conference.

Whether you’re a veteran AD, a first-time conference attendee, or someone simply looking to grow as a leader, this conversation is packed with insight, energy, and practical takeaways.

So settle in—this is our annual conversation with the NIAAA President, Steve Throne.

Today we have the privilege of welcoming back a familiar face — our most tenured guest — Brian Dodd. This episode has become a highlight of our year because Brian joins us annually to unveil his Top 10 Sports Books, giving us plenty of ideas for our Christmas lists and leadership libraries.

Brian’s blog, Brian Dodd on Leadership, continues to be a must-read for anyone in or out of formal leadership roles, consistently reaching more than 70,000 readers each month. He’s an author, the co-host of the Pursuit of Service Podcast, and, truthfully, our resident expert when it comes to curating an annual list of books that challenge and inspire us.

Today’s episode is one of those special moments for our podcast — a true honor to sit down with one of the greatest to ever play the game.

Our guest is Pro Football Hall of Famer, College Football Hall of Famer, and Georgia legend Champ Bailey. Over a 15-year NFL career with Washington and Denver, Champ became the gold standard at the cornerback position — earning 12 Pro Bowl selections, seven All-Pro honors, and a reputation as one of the most complete defensive players in football history.

But for all the accolades and highlight reels, what has always set Champ apart is who he is off the field — a humble leader, a devoted teammate, and now, a passionate advocate for developing the next generation of athletes through his partnership with Positive Athlete.

In this conversation, we talk with Champ about leadership, the importance of doing the little things right, and why recognizing athletes for their character is every bit as important as celebrating their stats.

So sit back and enjoy this special episode as we hang out with one of the best to ever do it — Hall of Famer Champ Bailey — right here on Hangin’ with the AD.